DRM

DRM stands for Digital Rights Management and it is now (spring 2002) the hot topic among content owners and technology companies alike.

DRM doesn't mean just basic copy-protection of digital content (like ebooks, MP3s or DivX videos), but it basically means full protection for digital content, ranging from delivery to end user's ways to use the content.

If we speak about music DRM, companies wish to develop a product which would allow record labels to sell copy-protected audio tracks over the Internet, so that only the buyer could be allowed to listen the tracks. This is technically difficult, because traditionally, national laws require content owners like record labels, to grant "fair use" rights for products consumers buy. This means that user has to be allowed to make personal copies of the purchased music, in order to use the music in car, in portable digital audio player, in his/her laptop computer, etc.

So, somehow DRM system needs to know when the copying is allowed and when not -- users also have rights to make copies to their closest relatives, etc. So, normally this has been solved by allowing "hops" -- original file can be copied, but the copy of the original file cannot be copied any further. Obviously this also causes problems, if user accidentally deletes the original file, but still has the legal copy of the file :-)

Update:
In April 2007, EMI became the first of the major music labels to stop selling their music with DRM on the iTunes music store. This is a massive step forward in the direction of protecting consumer's rights. We will see how their step will influence other music labels in the future.

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Comment this glossary entry!
neilchile 25 November, 2005 17:55
Hey all... I know most of you are not Mac users... This topic is "Apple/Mac" related... I have a Power G5... I have bought a fair amount of music with iTunes... With version 5 I used a software named JHymn to strip DRM from my purchases... I use a SlimDevices SqueezBox on my home network... iTunes 6 will not let JHymn strip my purchases... They are working on an upgrade but say it may take some time... Not sure if this software is available for Win/Linux systems... Let's be patient... You can always burn your songs to CD and import them!! Neil in Chile
Delanna 10 September, 2007 6:19
I know that MelodyCan (http://www.convert-any-media.com/) is a DRM protected music converter, with it, you can easily convert DRM protected music files and various audio files to unprotected MP3, CD, iPod and other MP3 player file formats. Regards, Ann
engage16 7 February, 2008 0:16
just so you all know... burn the purchased songs from itunes... and then re-rip them off the cd...
lizard1 22 April, 2008 18:00
You say "original file can be copied, but the copy of the original file cannot be copied any further" - never heard of a DRM system like that before. Maybe you can elaborate. If you look at companies selling DRM software - see http://www.locklizard.com for example, they specifically state that information cannot be copied. DRM systems are put in place to prevent copying.

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